Latos dominates Brewers

The Cincinnati Reds entered Monday’s series with the Milwaukee Brewers in a slump. They had won just one of their previous six games. Matt Latos entered last nights game with a 5.20 ERA. So you’re thinking the Brewers might have a decent shot to get their offense going. Silly me!

Latos was on his game last night, striking out a career-high 13 hitters to post his second-ever complete game, leading the Reds to a 3-1 win over the Brewers. Latos even chipped in with a pair of singles. His teammate Jay Bruce called Latos a one-man wrecking crew.

Latos was so much in command that he threw 24 consecutive strikes during one point of the game. That kind of performance is the last thing the Brewers’ offense needed. The struggling crew managed just 4-hits as Latos threw first pitch strikes to 27 of 33 batters and improved to 6-2 on the season.

The only real blemish for Latos was Norichika Aoki’s leadoff home run to right in the 6th.

Yovani Gallardo didn’t have his great stuff, but he threw well enough to win, had he been given some offensive support. Gallardo worked 6-innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks.

Aoki’s home run extended a streak at Great American Ballpark. There’s been at least one home run in 63 straight games, dating back to July 30, 2011. That’s tied with Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park (2007-’08) for the second-longest homer streak in recent major league history. Colorado’s Coors Field is first at 80 games (2002-2003).

Game 2 of the series is tonight. Marco Estrada (0-3, 4.50) pitches for the Brewers. Bronson Arroyo (3-5, 4.19) goes for the Reds.